Surf City Marathon

I used to say to myself, "I can't run, so why bother trying?" Then one day I gave it a shot and succeeded. Today, I ran my 12th marathon. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you remove the word "can't" from your vocabulary. I didn't get a PR, but I worked my butt off and earned my second sub-6 finish. I am very happy. I am very proud. Life is good. COWABUNGA DUDE!!!

I don't mean to sound like a broken record, but what a difference a year makes.  When I ran the Surf City Half Marathon last year, I was just another face in the crowd.  I showed up, I ran, I went home.  This year, I was surrounded by my running buddies.  Yes, I know, this is probably sounding exactly like my Arizona Rock 'N' Roll Marathon race report from a few weeks earlier.  I just can't get over it.  Now that I said it, I promise this will be the last time I echo this sentiment.

I came into Surf City feeling good.  I had just finished my 4th marathon of the year and I was so ready to pounce on #5!  I love everything about the Surf City course: flat, sea level, fun!  What made this marathon especially fun was The Marathon Show's Joe Taricani broadcasting live from the course!  And yes, he ran it.  All in all, Surf City did not disappoint.

In any case, I've pretty much summed up my whole experience in the first few lines of this race report, so for the rest of this entry, I will take my readers on a photographic journey of this marathon.

First up, the expo:

Meet Kyle.  I really do admire this guy.  When I was his age, I was on the couch drinking soda, eating pizza and Twinkies, being lazy, and living an unhealthy life.  Kyle is the complete opposite.  This guy is setting a good example for all.  Keep up the work, Buddy.

Two running super heroes: Dane Rauschenberg and Endorphin Dude!

Asian Gangsta!

Endorphin Dude and Nordic Moxie!

I swear, I didn't even recognize Christy without her Elvis gear on!

This Italian Stallion from Utah is always stylin' !

I gave Joe an honorary Endorphin Dude headband.  DUDE!

I finally got to meet Joe Taricani of The Marathon Show at the expo!  Here he is interviewing me.

Another group shot!

Looks like my dog's butt.

Next up, the carbo load dinner at Buca de Beppo's:

Race Day:

On a final note, I pushed hard to finish with a bang.  My body cramped up the final mile but I kept chugging along.  I really wanted that sub-6 happy ending. When I crossed the finish line, I closed my eyes, let out a roar, and thanked my lucky stars.  From this photo you'd think that I had just run my first marathon.  Well, I'll tell you this: I keep coming back for more because every time feels like the first.  I can't get enough of it.  I am a runner.  I am a Marathon Maniac.  I am Endorphin Dude.  This is what I do.